Which to buy if a movie is released on both formats?

Kevin C Brown · 12-09-2007, 04:05 AM

No, not a format war question.

(I originally titled the thread "HD DVD vs BD?")

Sorry if this has been asked before, but let's say I have an HD DVD player, and I have a BD player on the way. (

)

If a movie comes out in both formats, which one do you choose and why?

I think I have read that HD DVD discs are more forgiving for scratches (something like the layer that's read for BD is closer to the surface), but that's the only reason I've found. (Typically, the content is identical, even with BD's greater capacity, right?)

The only other thought I have, since I am extremely format neutral, is that maybe I should alternate between them, just to actually be neutral.

Thoughts?

Ronald Epstein · 12-09-2007, 05:05 AM

Kevin,

The question you ask, though not intended to spark format war
type debate, is exactly the type that probably will.

You have to realize that those that favor HD-DVD or Blu-ray are
going to chime in with their recommendation no matter what the
correct answer may be.

Actually, there is no correct answer here. You have two formats,
that in my opinion perform equally as well as far as delivering an
exceptional audio and video experience.

We are also at a point where there is no clear winner in this
format war. I don't care what numbers say, the winner of this
war may very well not be decided on a popularity level.

Getting back to your question....

I own both HD-DVD and Blu-ray, so let me tell you what I do.
Basically, I split my purchases between both formats. Sometimes,
if there is a title with expanded web content, I'll pick HD-DVD. Otherwise,
I have been keeping my purchases evenly split between both formats.

Cees Alons · 12-09-2007, 06:05 AM

It may depend on the content - sometimes. Currently all releases that are on both formats seem to be pretty equal now. On a few, there's a difference with the audio tracks. Without going into the cons and pros of any of those (numerous threads have heated discussions about that already - mostly the same, and some not too accurate), I'd say that you would choose in those cases based on your personal preference and possibly the possibilities of your audio equipment.

But as said: most are pretty equal, content-wise.

Occasionally, there's a price difference to take into account.

(Another criterium might be the artwork. In some cases, a red border around it may look more fitting to one's eye, in other cases a blue one....

)

Cees

Peter Overduin · 12-09-2007, 09:13 AM

In part, owning both; my decision is influenced by whether or not the HD version is a DVD/HD combo disk. They are normally more expensive, sometimes are more prone to playback issues and therefore will usually mean that I buy the BD disk.

Since my retailer doesn't normally stock a lot of each, it will also be as simple as which one is in stock

Jason Seaver · 12-09-2007, 09:33 AM

I tend to default to HD-DVD, just because that's what I had first and having the combo disk is nice if a friend wants to borrow a movie. Also, my Samsung BD-P1000 is apparently incapable of being upgraded to use the interactive and internet goodies.

**HTF Ads**

Robert George · 12-09-2007, 10:25 AM

Since I've been dual format for a relatively long time, I'll tell you what I do....

First, as mentioned already, I look for differences in content. Differences in audio formats will have some bearing depending on one's audio system. I have eliminated any obstacles in the audio chain, so unless something is really different, that is rarely an issue anymore. I do prefer TrueHD over PCM, so on those Warner titles with lossless, I usually choose HD DVD.

Another factor that goes into deciding which color to pick is which player you may like the best. I have also eliminated advantages in the hardware area recently by getting the Panasonic BD30 for Blu and Tosh A35 for HD. Both players perform smoothly and quickly. Both do 24p properly (I need this), and both bitstream native audio codecs (I use this also).

So, for me, I have made as many things equal as possible. Now, I am back to looking at content differences such as IME on HD DVD. In those few cases where everything is essentially equal, I allow my bias to choose

.

PaulDA · 12-09-2007, 10:40 AM

I'm not format neutral yet (though I will be) but I plan to do what I do for DVD-A/SACD releases (few, admittedly, but enough to have made me choose more than once). First--content (extras and such). If they are the same, then the cheaper one.

Jim_K · 12-09-2007, 10:57 AM

I'd suggest to anyone else to look at the individual release and if there is any difference (lossless audio, IME, price, etc) make the choice on what your priorities and preferences are.

Personally with the equipment I have I tend to go with the BD version for flawless playback experience, non-combo and cheaper (when applicable), PCM which on my system sounds a bit better than TrueHD (when applicable) and much faster navigation speed. But that's me.

Shane Martin · 12-09-2007, 11:18 AM

1. Price. Combos are usually more expensive.
2. Audio choices
3. extras.

Wayne_j · 12-09-2007, 05:16 PM

I'm not yet format neutral, but I would probably go by any differences in features and which ones are the most important to me. I don't currently have many, but I do like how sometimes HD-DVD uses a combo feature that can allow you to watch the movie on other players in your house or at a friend's house.

Aaron Silverman · 12-09-2007, 08:36 PM

Generally there will be some difference in content or price to inform the decision. Beyond that, my PS3 is a better player than my HD-A2 (in terms of speed and features, and a better remote), so I lean towards Blu if the discs are identical.

As far as physical robustness of the discs, my understanding (which could be wrong) is that HD-DVDs are inherently tougher, but BDs all have a special protective coating that actually makes them tougher to scratch.